Volunteers build specialty bikes in Westminster for children with disabilities

Children with physical disabilities often require special, and sometimes expensive, bicycle features in order to ride. At a recent event in Westminster, nine volunteers worked to bring the joy of cycling to five Carroll County kids by creating specialized bikes for them. The crew working with Volunteers for Medical Engineering crafted the custom bikes Friday at TownMall of Westminster. “We bring people together as a team so they can use their skills in order to help people with disabilities,” Volunteers for Medical Engineering Program Director Angela Tyler said. Bicycle modifications include flattened pedals, easy-grip handlebars and seat modifications such as harnesses and seat belts. Children in need of adaptive bikes are evaluated and measured by occupational and physical therapists so each bike can be fully customized to their needs.